Floor of the mouth cancer: Diagnosis, Metastasize, Treatments and Signs

How is cancer of the floor of the mouth diagnosed?

The doctor will look at and feel the tumor. He will take xrays and do a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Does cancer of the floor of the mouth metastasize?

Yes. This is one of the oral cancers which metastasizes to the lymph nodes in the neck in a good number of patients.

What treatment is used for cancer of the floor of the mouth?

In early stage cancers, the treatment is usually radiation or surgery. Cancers that are more advanced are usually treated with surgery followed by radiation and sometimes chemotherapy.

How the disease progresses cannot be predicted. This depends, among other things, on how fast and aggressively the cancer grows and how big it is. Small, localized tumors can either be operated on or irradiated by doctors. With more advanced cancer, the operation is often supplemented with radiation or radiation chemotherapy. The treatment also depends on the personal needs and the physical condition of the person concerned.

Signs of the floor of the mouth cancer

If the following signs persist for more than 2 weeks, you should see a doctor or dentist:

whitish or red spots in the mouth that cannot be wiped off or scratched off
mouth sores that often bleed easily and do not heal
Swelling in the mouth, foreign body sensation
unclear tooth loosening
Discomfort when chewing and swallowing
increased salivation
Difficulty speaking
decreased mobility of the tongue
Numbness of the tongue, teeth or lip
the contact between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed feels different

What you can do yourself

Care for your mouth and teeth: Brush your teeth, gums and tongue twice a day, preferably in the morning after eating and in the evening before going to bed. Use a fluoride toothpaste.
Go to the dentist regularly. This should not only examine your teeth, but also your oral mucosa.
Pay attention to changes in the mouth. If in doubt, you'd better go to the doctor again.
Smoking increases the risk of oral cancer and many other cancers and cardiovascular diseases.

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